Global connections: Khalid’s story

When faced with a sick child, every parent in the world wants the same thing—the best care possible. Often, all it takes is a quick visit with the local health care provider. Occasionally, it means a trip to the local hospital or short stay at an academic medical center. In rare cases, obtaining the best care requires an extraordinary effort. A mother finds herself researching the world’s best pediatric neurosurgeons. An uncle turns to YouTube to learn more about brain tumors. Physicians on opposite corners of the globe find ways to communicate and collaborate. And a family boards an air ambulance, embarking on a 7,000-mile journey, anticipating a marathon neurosurgery for their child and hoping for the best. In December 2013, Mohammad and Hend Al Ansari, from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, found themselves in that rare group of parents. In late October, the Al Ansari’s noticed that their healthy four-year-old son started routinely vomiting in the mornings before school. Other worrisome symptoms also appeared. Khalid lost some mobility on the right side of his body. He complained of headaches and feeling tired. Doctors prescribed anti-nausea medicine, which didn’t work, yet Khalid’s blood work appeared normal. However, when a doctor asked Khalid to perform basic neurological tasks, he realized the boy might have a neurological condition and referred the family to another hospital for a CT scan. “After the scan, they told us about the tumor on the back of his head. W...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: All posts Global health Brain tumor neurosurgery Source Type: news